Interview with Houston graffiti artist Joe Trejo, Jr.

Hello, friends and color lovers worldwide!

As I develop my blog here, I want everyone to know that there will be a lot of experimentation in 2020. I’ll always tell stories that inspire me, though, and I’ve decided to really focus on global color projects this year. With that being said, I live in Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the United States, and home to the most diverse population of people from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I consider it a huge blessing!

On the blog today I want to highlight my friend and business colleague, Joe Michael Trejo, Jr. Joe and I work together in paint consulting for SRH Paint Co, a proud supplier of Benjamin Moore paint products. In my conversations at work with Joe, I discovered that he is a talented artist and muralist who has transitioned over to some commercial projects that incorporate Benjamin Moore paint. His Instagram account showcases all types of projects: Joe's Portfolio

Joe has been working for quite some time in building his brand as a street or graffiti artist. This world is one that has gained recognition in the past several years, and as Joe tells it, “Now that graffiti is being more accepted by the general public and revered by marketing companies, it’s giving guys like myself a chance to highlight our work on larger spaces without creative restrictions. Moreover, it’s created opportunities for other graffiti writers to cross over into the mainstream art world.

More companies seek artists like myself and my colleagues because we have a different approach to conceptual design and color play. Our ‘street vibe and urban look’ not only has curb appeal, but it adds to the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood, instills civic pride and most of all adds color to an otherwise boring plain surface.”

Here are some of the Benjamin Moore paint products that Joe uses on his projects:

Regal Exterior Low Lustre
Ultra Spec Exterior Satin
Ultra Spec Scuff X Interior Matte
Ultra Spec Interior Eggshell
Coronado Interior Primer

Joe has established himself as a mural artist not only in Houston, but also across the country,

Education: Self taught. Mediums include acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, spray paint.

Past experience as a graffiti writer and commercial painter who has converted to commissioned artist/muralist. Started apprenticeship with artist Gelson Lemus @w3r3on3 and became artist assistant. Worked alongside other artists and teamed up with @upartstudio on projects as well.

HISD, SISD, CCISD School gyms; logos/abstract art, Houston Mini Mural boxes, private commissions, and then current commissions with companies such as:

Karbach Brewing Co.
Bayou Preservation Committee
City of Houston
Former Mayor Phillips Levine (Miami Dade County)
Paris Texas Apparel
Metro PCS
Harrisburg Art Museum Volunteer Employee
Diverse Houston Artist Member 

I’m delighted to partner with Joe on other projects of a more commercial nature and thank him for taking the time to sit and talk to me about his work outside of Benjamin Moore!